When You Feel Defensive

Defensive reactions are usually the result of old wounds getting triggered; a sign that you’re momentarily caught in an old, unpleasant story. While it’s common to blame others for causing your feelings, doing so misses the point. The feelings are resurfacing to give you the opportunity to heal them. You do this by taking your attention off the narrative in your head and focusing it on your body. Mentally scan your entire body and feel your sensations without reacting.